Latest news with #HailHitler
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lyor Cohen Writes Open Letter to Kanye West: ‘You've Chosen a Path That Sows Discord'
Lyor Cohen, the former president of Def Jam Recordings, has issued an open letter addressed to Kanye West. Cohen is currently YouTube's global head of music and the CEO of 300 Entertainment. West released his debut album, 'The College Dropout,' via Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam in 2004, the same year Cohen left his position as president of the label for Warner Music Group. More from Variety Kanye West Dropped from Talent Agency Following Antisemitic Behavior Kanye West Sued by Jewish Staffer After Texting 'Hail Hitler' Kanye West's Yeezy Website Down After Selling Swastika T-Shirt; Shopify Says West 'Violated Our Terms' Amid Backlash In his letter, Cohen pleads West to be 'more sensitive to the pain your words inflict on Jewish communities and all those who stand against hate.' This follows West's ongoing tirade against Jewish people — this includes everything from the sale of a T-shirt with a swastika on it (and a Super Bowl advertisement for the webstore), to West calling himself a Nazi via X. Read Cohen's letter below: Dear Kanye, I am deeply disappointed and troubled by your recent actions involving the use of Nazi symbols and antisemitic rhetoric. Your words and actions are not only offensive but triggering to all decent people who recognize the horrors of the Holocaust and the suffering of millions. With antisemitism on the rise, your voice and influence carry a significant responsibility. I urge you to be more sensitive to the pain your words inflict on Jewish communities and all those who stand against hate. Your talent and reach could be used to heal and inspire, to bridge divides and promote understanding. Instead, you've chosen a path that sows discord and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. The Jewish and Black experiences share a rich history of collaboration and mutual support, particularly in the music industry. From the early days of jazz and blues to the groundbreaking work of Motown and beyond, our communities have enriched each other through music and culture. I urge you to reflect on this shared legacy and use your platform to build upon the love and understanding that have always existed between our communities. Sincerely,Lyor Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Grammy Predictions, From Beyoncé to Kendrick Lamar: Who Will Win? Who Should Win? What's Coming to Netflix in February 2025
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kanye West Sued by Jewish Staffer After Texting ‘Hail Hitler'
A former marketing staffer for Kanye West sued him on Tuesday, alleging that he fired her after calling her ugly and texting her 'Hail Hitler.' The staffer, who is Jewish, alleges that West routinely targeted his Jewish employees with hateful and antisemitic comments. More from Variety Kanye West's Yeezy Website Down After Selling Swastika T-Shirt; Shopify Says West 'Violated Our Terms' Amid Backlash How Kanye West Landed a Super Bowl Ad - Then Used It to Sell Swastika Shirts After It Aired Kanye West's X Account Deactivated After Days of Antisemitic Posts; Rapper Wrote 'I'm a Nazi' and More The lawsuit, filed in L.A. Superior Court, includes text messages from West to employees in which he wrote 'I Am A Nazi,' and 'Welcome to the first day of working for Hitler.' West's account on X, formerly known as Twitter, was deactivated this week after he unleashed a similar tirade on the social media platform, including saying 'I'm a Nazi.' West also appeared in a Super Bowl ad on Sunday, which advertised a website that listed a swastika T-shirt for sale for $20. The latest lawsuit — one of many filed by West's former employees over the past year — describes antisemitic behavior that took place from January to June of 2024. The plaintiff, identified only as Jane Doe, was hired as a marketing specialist in December 2023. Two weeks later, West issued an apology in Hebrew for other antisemitic comments. According to the suit, the contrition did not last long. In January, she suggested that West denounce any ties to Nazism amid controversy over his forthcoming album 'Vultures Vol. 1.' A co-worker relayed this advice to West, who responded in a text: 'I Am A Nazi,' according to the suit. According to the lawsuit, Doe was fired in March 2024 before being quickly rehired at double her salary. In June 2024, West texted her and others: 'What the F– Is Everybody Here Getting Paid?' According to the suit, he then went on an extended rant on a group chat, comparing himself to Hitler and berating her. Later that evening, the suit alleges, he continued to attack her, calling her ugly and stupid, and saying 'Come destroy me bitch.' She was fired the next day. The suit states alleges gender and religious discrimination and wrongful termination, among other claims. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Grammy Predictions, From Beyoncé to Kendrick Lamar: Who Will Win? Who Should Win? What's Coming to Netflix in February 2025
